23rd-31st August 2008 : Riding to the roof of the world

This is my third update on the planned ride to the worlds highest motorable roads.
Post 1
Post 2

BIKE: Will be sending my June 2003 Hero Honda Karizma (223cc/17bhp) via train to New Delhi. Read more about the bike HERE

The plan is a bit changed now...Riding up via Rohtang Pass, we intend to hit Leh, the capital of Ladakh by Day3.
Permits to ride to the top of the world will be arranged in advance, which means on Day4, we ride to Khardung La Pass (18640 feet) and beyond into Nubra Valley
Day5: Ride back to Khardung La and beyond to Pangong Tso Lake via Changla Pass (app 18000feet)
Day6: Ride to Sarchu
Day7: Sarchu-Manali
Day8: Manali-Narkanda
Day9: Narkanda-Delhi

As of now, we are around six riders.
Got to get hold of spare tubes / tyre inflaters / tents etc!

Moto Guzzi Grsio 1200 8V comes to US

The US market seems to be having some kinda action lately. We told you about Aprilia getting in the Mana and RS125 for the Americans and now Moto Guzzi too is launching the Griso 1200 8V there soon.

Legendary Italian manufacturer Moto Guzzi draws deeply from its country's rich tradition to give full breadth to its latest creation, the Griso 1200 8V.... READ MORE

2008 Suzuki Hayabusa

Some days back, while I was in Delhi, I met up with one of the biggest superbike clubs in India - GODS. GODS stands for Group Of Delhi Superbikers.

Ofcourse, one bike that has always made me happy is the Busa. The club has around nine of these. Here are a couple of pictures of the bike that tops my wish-list!




Also, see this video of the 2008 Hayabusa being played around with

Good news for US markets: Aprilia RS125 and Mana coming their way

Yep, Aprilia will be selling the pocket rocket RS125 as well as the Mana in US markets now.



Unfortunately, only as a track day bike, but Aprilia will be bringing its super-light 125cc two-stroke road machine to the United States following an official announcement at Laguna Seca next week.

The RS 125 is a beautiful machine (judge for yourself), and weighs an incredibly light 264 pounds. That little 124.8cc single is potent enough to deliver 100 miles per hour through the six-speed gearbox. That is 100 pounds lighter than the lightest 600 supersport! Track day fun would be a guaranty.

The Mana will also be in US markets now

Aprilia is bringing its 850 Mana to the U.S. In fact, it is already here at a U.S. MSRP of $9,899. For that, you get an 839cc 90° V-twin in a modern chassis with modern brakes. You also get that special transmission that can be used as a 7-speed manual or an automatic with three selectable mappings (touring, sport, and rain).

More on my Leh ride this year

The plan is taking shape. Here are the mountain passes that we will be riding across

1. Sach Pass : 14500feet
2. BaraLacha La : 13050feet
3. Nakee La : 15547feet
4. Lachalang La : 16616feet
5. Tanglang La : 17582feet
6. Khardung La : 18640feet
7. Chang La : 17800/18000feet
8. Rohtang La : 13050feet

Honda DN-01 to finally go on sale in August!

We had told you about the Honda DN-01 concept bike way back in Oct 2007 and in March 2008 it went on sale in Japan.

Come August, and Honda will start selling the bike in UK as well.

The DN-01 features fully automatic transmission and the motorcycle is powered by the same 680cc V-twin engine that is used in Honda's Transalp.

The transmission can be changed between auto, sports-auto or a thumb-operated six-speed manual transmission.

As well as automatic transmission the DN-01 also features Honda's combined ABS system along with the Honda Ignition Security System (HISS).

Honda will also be releasing a range of aftermarket products for the DN-01, which will include heated grips, speakers, a bluetooth connection kit and a back rest.

The DN-01 will be available in graphite black or pearl amethyst purple for a price of £9200.

Source : Internet and MCN